Top Drive Mechanism for Flexible Vehicle Roof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive systems for flexible vehicle roofs are complex and have drive elements that protrude beyond the main bearing, making them bulky and difficult to install efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A compact top drive system where the linear drive, throw-over lever, and drive connecting rod form a space-saving unit integrated within the main bearing, allowing for a preassembled installation with minimal screws, and the drive elements are confined to the main bearing's spatial extent, eliminating the need for separate support of the linear drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional linear drive system is used for the flexible vehicle roof, then the roof link can be moved between closed and storage positions, but the drive elements protrude far beyond the main bearing region, resulting in a bulky and complex structure
Solution Approach 1:
The linear drive, throw-over lever, and drive connecting rod are merged into a single integrated drive unit that is fastened to the main bearing. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate supporting structures and reduces the overall spatial extent of the drive system, as all components work together within a compact configuration centered at the main bearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive components are arranged in a nested configuration where the linear drive, throw-over lever, and drive connecting rod are positioned within the region of the main bearing. This nesting approach allows the drive elements to be contained within a compact volume, preventing protrusion beyond the main bearing region while maintaining full functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If drive elements are confined to the main bearing region, then the top drive becomes compact and easier to install, but the transmission of driving force from the linear drive to the roof link becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The throw-over lever serves as an intermediary component between the linear drive and the drive connecting rod. It receives the driving force from the linear drive and transmits it through a pivoting motion to the drive connecting rod, which then moves the roof link. This intermediary mechanism enables efficient force transmission within the compact main bearing region without requiring complex external support structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves a space-saving design and simplified installation by integrating the drive elements within the main bearing, enabling efficient movement of the roof link between closed and storage positions with reduced complexity and component protrusion.
Implementation Method 1
a throw-over lever fastened to the main bearing, the throw-over lever having the actuating end of the linear drive pivotally fastened thereto
Implementation Method 2
a drive connecting rod having a first end articulated at a free end of the throw-over lever and a second end articulated at a section of the roof link spaced from the pivot point on the main bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A top drive for a flexible vehicle roof which can be transferred from a closed position into a storage position and vice versa. At least one roof link is movable via a linear drive, the roof link and a fixed end of the linear drive being fastened to a main bearing of the top, wherein an actuating end of the linear drive is fastened pivotably to a throw-over lever which is fastened to the main bearing of the top and at the free end of which there is arranged a drive connecting rod which is fastened at a first end in an articulated manner to the free end of the throw-over lever and at a second end in an articulated manner to a section of the roof link, which section is spaced apart from the pivot point on the main bearing of the top, as a result of which a driving movement of the linear drive can be transmitted to the roof link.